I believe in the tier system for NBA drafting, where teams should group players with similar value--regardless of position--into tiers. Then, within each tier, teams should rank players based on fit and always choose the best fit in the highest-remaining tier.

This way, unlike a best-prospect-available system, teams aren't forced to split razor-thin margins between players and end up with someone who doesn't fit. And in a tier system, teams won't reach for need, either.

So, with that in mind, here's how I would choose the first round of tonight's NBA draft if I were running each team.

Kidd-Gilchrist, because he probably can't carry a team alone right now, would be a perfect fit for the Bobcats. They need multiple high draft picks to turn this around, and if Kidd-Gilchrist's skills don't shine without another top player around, that would help keep Charlotte bad enough to draft high again next year. Then, the Bobcats can get someone who will cover Kidd-Gilchrist's flaws and take off from there.

Robinson and Kidd-Gilchrist are the only players, beyond Davis, who have top-end NBA potential and played great in college last season. That's why, despite already having a few bigs, the Wizards should take Robinson.

Tristan Thompson's defensive rebounding was surprisingly not great at Texas, and I'm not sure sure one solid NBA season as the team's default rebounder qualifies as a breakthrough. Beal's ability to rebound as a guard gives him a slight edge for a team that already has nice pieces to grow with.

Tyreke Evans probably needs to play with a quality point guard, and Barnes is similar in that regard. Is it crazy to think that means they fit together? Now, Sacramento just needs to find that point guard.

Greg Monroe can play either center or power forward, giving the Pistons flexibility here. An athletic 7-foot with skill is too much too pass up here, other questions aside.

10. New Orleans Hornets: Terrence Jones (tier 4)

Jones is line to become the biggest steal of the draft if he keeps falling. He has the size and athleticism to be an NBA power forward, and used his impressive skills enough at Kentucky to convince me his effort questions are overblown.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Kendall Marshall (tier 5)

Stuck picking at the top of tier 5, Portland at least comes out of this draft with a center and a point guard, two positions of need.

How did Waiters go from projected in the latter half of the first round to a high-lottery hotshot without working out for anyone? Houston is too far along in the process of stockpiling assets to stop now.

I liked the Reggie Jackson pick last year, but the Thunder have so few flaws that, without being certain of Jackson's health, Oklahoma City could pick another point guard. Machado, who possesses great court vision, is ready to play now, and he'd thrive with a team full of quality options to find.

The Bulls are the Eastern Conference's best chance to challenge the Heat, and as a basketball fan, I hope they don't have to unload Joakim Noah or Luol Deng for financial reasons. But if Harkless develops, he could soften the blow of losing Deng, who's less valuable than Noah.